Qualitative meta-analysis is an attempt to conduct a rigorous secondary qualitative analysis of primary qualitative findings. Its purpose*to provide a more comprehensive description of a phenomenon and an assessment of the influence of the method of investigation on findings*is discussed.

Is a meta-analysis qualitative or quantitative?

Meta-analysis is a quantitative, formal, epidemiological study design used to systematically assess the results of previous research to derive conclusions about that body of research. Typically, but not necessarily, the study is based on randomized, controlled clinical trials.

Why is meta-analysis quantitative?

Quantitative meta-analysis allows synthesis of results from primary studies investigating relations among common variables. The procedure entails first capturing effect sizes that numerically describe the relationship among relevant variables in each primary study.